Departed manager Sami Hyypia has shrugged off the criticism he endured in Albion's last home game by thanking fans for their support during his 200-day reign.

Hyypia, who came under heavy fire during the 1-0 defeat by fellow strugglers Millwall at the Amex ten days ago, told the club website: "I would like to thank the fans who have shown me their support during my time here. This is a wonderful club, and the fans are a big, big part of that.

"It's been frustrating for us all, and me more than anyone, but I think the support I have had from the Brighton fans has been tremendous. I am just very sorry I haven't been able to give them the results I hoped I could.

"I said recently the fans are the soul of any club, and that has never been more obvious than here at Brighton & Hove Albion. The fans have played a massive part in making the club what it is today."

Hyypia also thanked his coaching team of caretaker replacement Nathan Jones, Joaquin Gomez and Antti Niemi. "I have really enjoyed working with Nathan, Joaquin, Antti and the coaching staff," he said. "They gave me everything they could to make things happen and be successful and I thank them all for that."

He added: "I would also like to thank the club for the opportunity they gave me in the summer, particularly the chairman and chief executive, who have continued to support me during the past few difficult weeks, and also the many staff who gave me their support during my time as manager.

"There are a lot of good people at the club and I genuinely wish them all the very best for the future. I am sorry things haven't worked out as we all wanted."